Employment & Vacancies

The Seasonal Public Works position is responsible for assisting with a range of duties related to the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of the Town’s streets, sidewalks, parks, facilities, buildings, and grounds. This position involves both skilled and manual labor, operation of light and heavy equipment, and responding to public inquiries and service requests. Applicants must have flexibility, initiative, and the ability to identify and perform duties with limited supervision. Works under the direction of the Public Works Lead.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Requires physical ability sufficient to perform essential job duties.
• Knowledge of proper maintenance and repair practices for streets, sidewalks, parks, and facilities.
• Ability to operate and maintain various tools and machinery safely and efficiently.
• Basic computer proficiency for entering data, generating reports, and using work order systems.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies and work in varying weather conditions.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and practices.
• Willingness to learn new skills and comply with training and certification requirements.
• Basic mathematical skills add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required; Valid Washington State Driver’s License with a good driving record. Previous experience in public works, including operating handheld and power tools, pumps, valves, and motor maintenance, basic plumbing, electrical, and construction skills are preferred. Knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance are required.

Working Conditions: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, lift, and carry heavy objects (up to 80 lbs or more). May be exposed to loud noise, chemicals, fumes, and other hazardous conditions. Must be available for on-call and emergency response duties, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Salary Range: $23.05 to $27.40 DOE

Benefits: Paid sick leave at the rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked; no other benefits are offered in this position.

Schedule: Flexible. Typical seasonal work may consist of up to 20 hours per week from May through August, or fewer hours per week over a longer portion of the year such as 27 hours per month. Additional hours may be available to provide coverage during the Lead's scheduled paid time off or other absences. Limited to 345 hours per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain streets, sidewalks, and right-of-way areas, including pothole patching, debris removal, snow/ice clearing, and upkeep of storm drains, culverts, and ditches.
• Maintain parks, public spaces, and landscaped areas through mowing, trimming, weeding, litter removal, and care of garden beds, shrubs, and trees.
• Clean and maintain street and park signage for visibility and appearance.
• Perform general maintenance and custodial duties at town-owned buildings and facilities, including cleaning, painting, power washing, floor care, and waste removal.
• Conduct general facilities maintenance and light repairs, including carpentry, plumbing, minor electrical work, HVAC upkeep, lock and window repair, and minor construction tasks.
• Operate, inspect, and perform routine and preventive maintenance on vehicles and equipment such as mowers, backhoes, and excavators.
• Respond to public works emergencies (e.g., storms, flooding, snow events) and public service requests in a professional manner.
• Maintain accurate records and use computer systems for work orders, reporting, timesheets, and inventory tracking.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures and support safe work practices.
• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Eligibility: Applicants must be a registered voter of the Town of Cathlamet and a reside within town-limits.

Training: Every member of the governing body of a public agency must complete training on the requirements of the OPMA & PRA no later than ninety days after the date the member assumes public office and such training must be repeated every 4-years while in office. (RCW 42.30.205; 42.56.150)

Availability: Attendance at regular Town Council meetings is required. Meetings occur on the third Monday of each month beginning at 6:00 p.m. If the scheduled meeting falls on a holiday, the meeting will take place the following day at the same time. Special meetings may also be called periodically, and Councilmembers may serve on committees and boards as a liaison for the Town.

The salary is $100 per month. Attendance is required at regular meetings, which are held each month on the third Monday at 6:00 p.m.

Comprised of five elected at-large members, the town council is the legislative authority of the town and has the power to enact laws and policies, consistent with state law, needed or desired to regulate local and municipal affairs within the jurisdiction of the town or its service areas.

Specific duties include:

• Enacting laws and policies, consistent with state law, needed or desired to regulate local and municipal affairs within the jurisdiction of the town or its service areas
• Enacting a town budget
• Defining the powers, functions and duties of town officers and employees
• Fixing the compensation and working conditions of officers and employees
• Maintaining retirement and pension systems
• Imposing fines and penalties for the violation of town ordinances
• Entering into contracts
• Regulating the acquisition, sale, ownership and other disposition of real property
• Providing governmental, recreational, educational, cultural and social services
• Imposing taxes and fees not otherwise prohibited by state law
• Causing the town to own and operate utilities
• Approving claims against the town
• Granting franchises for the use of public ways
• Granting business licenses for the purpose of revenue and regulation
• Establishing rules governing its own procedures, including for public meetings and hearings
• Exercising all other authorities and perform all other duties and functions for councils as provided by state statute

Eligibility: One member may be an out-of-town resident living anywhere in Wahkiakum County while the other two members must be in-town residents. In selecting the planning commission, the town council shall seek to ensure representation that includes members with an understanding of architecture and urban planning, economic development, community involvement, and the specific concerns of Cathlamet residents and business operators.

Training: Every member of the governing body of a public agency must complete training on the requirements of the OPMA & PRA no later than ninety days after the date the member assumes public office and such training must be repeated every 4-years while in office. (RCW 42.30.205; 42.56.150)

Availability: A commissioner shall attend no less than 80 percent of regular meetings during any 12-month period. Members should have a general understanding of architecture, urban planning, economic development, community involvement, and the specific concerns of Cathlamet residents and business operators.

Application: A completed Town Planning Commission Application must be upload to your website application submission or returned to the Clerk-Treasurer at Town Hall, 375 2nd Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

Planning commissioners shall serve without compensation.

The planning commission consists of three members appointed by the mayor who shall serve as the principal advisory board to the town council with responsibility for providing guidance and direction for land use policy.

Specific duties include:

• Providing recommendations to the town council for development and review of the comprehensive plan in compliance with Chapter 36.70A RCW. This includes establishing procedures providing for early and continuous public participation in the development and amendment of the comprehensive land use plan and development regulations implementing the plan. 
• Periodically reviewing and recommending amendments to the zoning map and table of permitted uses.
• Periodically reviewing and recommending amendments to the development regulations.
• Other duties as assigned by the town council relating to subjects referred to in Chapter 35.63 RCW.

The term of office of the three commissioners shall be for four years and staggered in such a way that the terms of two commissioners shall expire in even-numbered years and the terms of one commissioner shall expire in odd-numbered years.